The Trump administration greenlights a $4 billion arms package to Israel, reversing Biden-era restrictions and escalating tensions with Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed U.S. President Donald Trump as Israel’s “greatest friend ever” after Washington approved the expedited delivery of advanced weapons, including bunker-buster bombs. The deal, worth $4 billion, reverses restrictions imposed under Joe Biden and signals a new era of military support for Israel.
In a video statement, Netanyahu made no secret of his intentions. “Trump has given us the tools we need to finish the job against Iran’s terror axis,” he declared. The arms package includes over 35,000 bomb bodies, 4,000 bunker-busting bombs, and Caterpillar D9 bulldozers, which Israel has historically used in military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
Reversing Biden’s Hold on Weapons
The arms sale comes amid growing Israeli efforts to dismantle Iran-backed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Trump’s administration unfroze the shipment of 2,000-pound bunker busters that Biden had previously blocked, despite the former president denying any broad arms embargo.
The Pentagon confirmed that some of the weapons could be delivered immediately from U.S. stockpiles, with the rest arriving in phases through 2028. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed gratitude to Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying the deal would allow Israel to “get the job done.”
A Stark Contrast to Ukraine
The U.S.-Israel deal stands in contrast to Trump’s recent treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Just days ago, Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly rebuked Zelensky for failing to show enough appreciation for U.S. military aid. In a striking diplomatic snub, Trump reportedly booted Zelensky from the White House, further highlighting his administration’s shifting foreign policy priorities.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu was the first foreign leader invited to the White House in Trump’s new term, solidifying their close alliance.
Israel’s Military Campaign and Iran Tensions
The weapons deal is expected to bolster Israel’s ongoing operations against Iranian-backed militias. Netanyahu has repeatedly stressed the need to weaken Tehran’s influence, citing the Hamas-led 2023 attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people, and the subsequent wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Despite a ceasefire with Hezbollah in November and a stalled truce with Hamas, Netanyahu insists that Israel must remain prepared for future conflicts. With Trump’s backing, the Israeli government is pushing forward with its aggressive stance against Iran and its regional allies, including the Houthis in Yemen and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria.
Trump has also vowed to reinstate a “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, mirroring his 2018 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. While Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons, U.S. intelligence and the IAEA report that its nuclear programme has exceeded civilian needs.
What’s Next?
As Israel receives its new arsenal, tensions in the Middle East are set to escalate. The arms deal strengthens Netanyahu’s hand, but it also risks further regional instability, particularly if Israel moves forward with operations targeting Iran or Hezbollah.
With Trump fully backing Netanyahu’s military strategy, the question remains: will this embolden Israel to launch preemptive strikes, or will it serve as a deterrent against Iranian aggression?
